A class action lawsuit is being explored against the State of Oregon by businesses that have been affected by state action to control the COVID-19 outbreak. Free Oregon, founded by former Portland coffee entrepreneur Ben Edtl, is exploring legal and political options.

The possible class action lawsuit, against the State of Oregon, for the statutory “taking” of personal property. Free Oregon has retained the leading civil rights attorneys in our state, that specialize in property rights and plans to force the government to compensate, by law.

"Kate Brown and her cronies at the State of Oregon, used COVID-19 regulations and fear to destroy tens of thousands of small businesses in Oregon. Never before has a government regulated small businesses so arbitrarily and unconstitutionally. Free Oregon and its legal team have determined a path in which to successfully sue the State of Oregon on the basis of a Statutory Taking. In this, we will force the State of Oregon to compensate business owners, by law, and ensure this never happens again in the United States," said Edtl.

Edtl and Free Oregon are looking for businesses which may qualify to join this class action. If COVID regulations hurt or destroyed your business, Edtl is asking you to fill out the application. Free Oregon is seeking small business owners that have experienced the total loss of their business or a significant proportional loss of business value, due to the COVID-19 regulations imposed by Kate Brown and the State of Oregon. According to Edtl, "We are particularly interested in hospitality, personal services, fitness and retail industries, but many others may also qualify to participate."

Edtl describes the timeline of the taking. "In Spring of 2020, we were told “two weeks to flatten the curve.” By June 30th, 2021 Governor Kate Brown held her flimsy press conference at Providence Park to announce the “reopening” of Oregon. By August 13th, 2021 (less than 45 days after her grand “reopening”) the State re-instituted indoor masking as a sure sign we are heading back into lockdowns on small businesses. We must fight back."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-08-17 13:38:31

Last Update: 2021-08-18 18:19:26